Israel's Netanyahu questioned for second time in corruption probe

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is being questioned for a second time by police, as part of a continued investigation into a corruption case involving the country's telecom giant.

Israeli media tycoon and former advisor to Netanyahu, Nir Hefetz, and Shaul Elovitch were arrested last month on suspicion of being part of the corruption case.

The two are accused of being involved in the promotion of regulation valued at hundreds of millions of dollars to Israel's telecom giant, Bezeq, of which Elovitch is a major shareholder.

Walla - Bezeq's popular news site - allegedly provided favourable coverage of Netanyahu and his family in return.

Separately, Hefetz is suspected of attempting to bribe a judge in exchange for dropping a corruption case against Netanyahu's wife.

Police were seen arriving to Netanyahu's residence Monday morning. Israeli Channel 2 TV reported that Netanyahu's wife, Sara, and son Yair are also being questioned, at another location.

Netanyahu is believed to being questioned for the second time on allegations made by confidant Hefetz, who was later released and turned state witness.

Another Netanyahu confidant, the former director of the Communications Ministry Shlomo Filber also turned state's witness.

Israeli police have already recommended indicting Netanyahu for bribery, fraud and breach of trust in two separate cases.

Netanyahu has denied all corruption allegations, calling them part of a media witch hunt.

The accusations, however, appear to have taken a toll, with senior cabinet ministers who had previously been outspoken in their defence, largely going silent. 

The cases have given new fuel to opposition calls for Netanyahu to step aside.

Netanyahu dismissed the investigations as "delusional, fabricated claims" that are part of an "orchestrated campaign" against him and vowed to "continue to lead the state of Israel responsibly, discreetly and with great dedication".

Netanyahu is also accused of receiving lavish gifts from Hollywood mogul Arnon Milchan and Australian billionaire James Packer. 

In return, police say Netanyahu operated on Milchan's behalf on US visa matters, legislated a tax break and connected him with an Indian businessman.